Student Housing Guide Division of Marine Science

Edited by members of the Student Oceanographic Society

Updated Summer 2021 The Student Oceanographic Society (S.O.S.)

S.O.S. was formed at the John C. Stennis Space Center in 1992 by a group of marine science graduate students from The University of Southern Mississippi Division of Marine Science. The group was formed to provide academic and networking assistance to marine science graduate students and to offer a means for the student body to voice any concerns they may have directly to the faculty. The latter is accomplished via a faculty advisor. The current S.O.S. faculty advisor is Dr. Davin Wallace. Membership is open to all part-time and full-time students enrolled in the department of marine science.

S.O.S. is a network of students with a passion for Marine Science, and it is a valuable resource to both new and established students. Here are just a few areas in which S.O.S. can offer assistance:

Social networking Help with Homework Rides to and from Stennis, housing accommodation upon arrival Proofreaders for papers and presentation Organize mock qualifying exams

S.O.S. encourages participation in a number of community and division based events including:

Division social events - Annual May crawfish boil, Fall semester beach bonfire, and Halloween party Science fair judging at Nicholson Elementary School in Picayune, MS

SOS Contact Information and Social Media

SOS President (2020-2021 term): Sarah Raney [email protected]

To receive notifications and stay up to date on our events, like us on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/452466494887301/ Purpose of Guide

If you are a recently accepted student to the University of Southern Mississippi Division of Marine Sciences, congratulations and welcome on behalf of the Student Oceanographic Society (SOS).

The Division of Marine Sciences is located at the Stennis Space Center in Southern Mississippi. Unlike a traditional college campus, there is no on-site housing at Stennis. Instead, students must rent an apartment or house in one of the nearby towns. We understand that choosing a place to live can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you are not familiar with the area. To help you overcome this challenge, the students of SOS have created this New Student Housing Guide.

There are three parts to this guide. The first provides information on the towns around Stennis, while the second is about apartments and houses for rent in each town. Student opinions are provided whenever possible, giving you information that you can only get from someone who has lived at those locations. Finally, there is a section at the end of this document discussing other resources beyond this document that can be used in your housing search.

Please note that these lists are not comprehensive, but are meant to be a starting point for your search. There are other housing options besides those listed here. In addition, the opinions expressed in this document are strictly those of the students. SOS and the Division of Marine Science do not endorse or oppose any specific town or living establishment. Finally, while every effort was made to ensure accurate information, it is important that you double check all information yourself before choosing a place to live. SOS and the Division are not responsible for any inaccurate or out of date information in this guide.

It is our hope that this guide will allow you to take advantage of the knowledge of past students when selecting a place to live, and will make the process easier for you than it was for us. Best of luck, and we look forward to having you join us at the Division of Marine Science.

Sincerely, The members of the Student Oceanographic Society Other Ways SOS Can Help You

Roommates: Several students choose is to live with one or more roommates. This has the advantages of reducing living costs, carpooling, and promoting friendship with your fellow students. It can be difficult to find a roommate when you do not know any of the other students, so the students of SOS would like to help you. If you would like to live with a roommate, please contact the SOS president by email. We will keep your name and contact information on record. If other new students contact us looking for a roommate, we will provide you with each other’s contact information. We can also email your contact information to current students telling them that you are looking for a roommate. After this, it will be up to you to decide if you wish to room together and to work out the details.

Looking at the house/apartment: SOS recognizes that it may be difficult or impossible for you to look at an apartment or rental house if you do not live in the area. Therefore, we will be glad to help you in this process. We can do this by driving past the property and taking pictures, or by going to a showing in your place. We can ask the landlord any questions you want at the meeting, send you pictures of the interior, and give you our general opinion about the place. It will be up to you to make the appointment for the showing with the landlord and explain that another student will be going to the meeting in your place. Please coordinate with the student and the landlord to find a meeting time that will not inconvenience either of them.

Carpooling: It may not be possible for all students to obtain a car or a United States driver's license immediately after arrival. There is also no public transportation to Stennis or around Southern Mississippi. Therefore, SOS is happy to help set up carpooling for you with another student living in your area. It will be up to you and the other student to agree upon the exact terms of this carpool, such as splitting gas money and how long the carpool will last.

If you would like SOS’s help with any of these things, please email the current SOS president, provided earlier in the document. Also check the SOS webpage for up to date contact information. Towns Close to Stennis Space Center Major Distance From Distance from Shopping Town Name State Grocery New Orleans Stennis Centers Stores Rouses, Winn-Dixie, Fremaux Mall, Walmart, Sam's North Shore Mall, LA 35 miles/40 min 20 miles/30 min Slidell Club, Farmers' and other shopping Market centers

Winn-Dixie, Walmart, Pine Tree Plaza MS 50 miles/55 min 20 miles/30 min Picayune Claiborne Hill Shopping Center

Shepherd Square MS 60 miles/60 min 25 miles/30 min Rouses Diamondhead Shopping Center Save-a-lot, Walmart, Claiborne Hill Waveland/ Supermarket, Bay's Marketown MS 60 miles/60 min 20 miles/30 min Bay St. Louis Natural Grocery Shopping Center Store, Farmers' Market No Shopping Center (Downtown must travel to Long MS 65 miles/1 hr 10 min 30 miles/40 min Shops/Dollar Pass Christian Beach (5-10 min) Store/Walmart only) No Shopping Center (Downtown Rouses, Winn-Dixie, MS 70 miles/1 hr 20 min 40 miles/45 min Shops/Dollar Long Beach Walmart, Froogels Store/Walmart only) Towns Close to Stennis Space Center

Town Name Banking Cafes Town Name Restaurants

Capital One, Chase, Starbucks, PJ's, and many of various styles Slidell Whitney, Keesler others downtown Slidell

Hancock, Keesler, Sweet Serenity Tea many of various styles Picayune Regions Room, PJ's Picayune

Hancock, Keesler, none listed mostly fast food, Diamondhead Marina Restaurant Diamondhead Peoples Bank Diamondhead

Hancock, Keesler, Waveland/ many small cafés Waveland/ Bay Regions, Peoples many of various styles downtown Bay St. Louis Bank St. Louis

Hancock, Peoples must travel to Long many of various styles Pass Christian Bank Beach (5-10 min) Pass Christian

Hancock, Keesler, PJ's , and others many of various styles Long Beach Peoples Bank downtown Long Beach Towns Close to Stennis Space Center

Town Name Pet Supplies Fitness

PetSmart, Pets Plus, and several other small pet stores, several numerous options including standard gyms and a rock climbing gym Slidell veternary centers

several grooming services and veternary centers, other supplies can Anytime Fitness, Curves, Cornerstone Gym, Bodyworks Gym Picayune be found at Walmart

Diamondhead Animal Hospital of Diamondhead Prestige Fitness Club, Nautilus Plus 2

Waveland/ several grooming services and veternary centers, other supplies can Anytime Fitness, Total Body Health & Fitness, Fit First, Forge Fitness, Bay St. Louis be found at Walmart

Pass Christian Pass Christian Pet Care (grooming & kennel) must travel to Long Beach (5-10 min)

Long Beach Claws 'n Paws Grooming, several veternary centers Flexfit, Beau Vie Fitness, BullShark CrossFit Towns Close to Stennis Space Center

DMS Student Feedback

Town Name + - clean, beautiful, close to Lake Ponchatrain and New Orleans, If you don't like living near a busy road/highway, try the 'Oldtown' area, many options for weekend Slidell some areas flood during heavy rain activities, northernmost sections safe from storm surge quiet town, clean, safe from not a lot of activity Picayune storm surge, country life

clean, beautiful, great if you Diamondhead own an airplane, boat, or like to not a lot of activity golf

Waveland/ access to Bay St. Louis must travel to nearby towns to find good shopping Bay St. Louis activities, on the beach

Pass clean, beautiful, on the beach, not much night life Christian/ festivals year round, Long Beach Type (Apartment / Pets Town / Condo / Rented Water, Electric Allowed? Apartment Name Address House) Rent per Month included (Y/N) Unit size (Y/N) Bay St. Louis / Waveland, MS 1br/1bath, 100 Waverly Drive, 2br/2bath, The Waverly Bay St. Louis Apartment $650-850 Y Water, N Electric 3br/2bath Y

Bayside Park Adams St, development Waveland House $700 n 3 bed, 2 bath y

Oak Parks 2057 Waveland Apartment Ave, Waveland Apartment $500 - $530 Y Water, N Electric 2 br - 2 br Y

10 Bay Park Way, from $413-500 (may be 2br/2bath or Bay Park Bay St. Louis Apartment outdated) ? 3br/2bath Y 1br/1bath, 2br/1bath, 485 Ruella Ave, 2br/2bath, Pelican Pointe Bay St. Louis Apartment Call for rates ? 3br/2bath Y 1br/1bath, 635 Carroll Ave, from $475-635 (may be 2br/2bath, Sheffield Park Bay St. Louis Apartment outdated) ? 3br/2bath Y Washer/Dryer? Main Office and/or Town / Furnished (Y/N/hookup On Call Maitanance Apartment Name (Y/N/optional) avalible) (Y/N) Description of Apartment Interior Bay St. Louis / Waveland, MS Bamboo hardwood floors, granite countertops, Hardwood cabinates, ceiling fans, dishwasher, garbage disposal, The Waverly optional hookups Y (both) walk-in closets, stove/oven, refridgerator Nice size. Tile and carpet. Granite countertops. Had to do Bayside Park some cleaning when I moved in, but the maintenance for development n hookups y OPM is good and will fix problems. Living room, 1/2 bedroom(s), bath, 2 closets, alley kitchen Oak Parks with wood cabinents. tiled floors. Ceiling lights. Fresh beige Apartment N Y (community) Y (Main Office) paint.

Bay Park ? hookups Y both

Pelican Pointe ? Y (community) ?

Sheffield Park ? Y Y both Town / Apartment Name Other Amenities Do you recommend this property? Why? Bay St. Louis / Waveland, MS Wifi included (but is slow), basic cable included, saltwater pool, community center, dining area, fitness room, BBQ area, Military The Waverly Discount. Yes. Popular apartment complex for USM students. High quality.

Bayside Park Yes, the front of the development is pretty good. The back end development n/a seems to get scary and the neighbors have told me stories. Close to Walmart. Residential area. Refridgerator, electric One of the lowest prices you can get for a 1/2-br apartment in the Oak Parks stove, oven, microwave included. 20 minute drive to stennis. area. Good if you like a place to yourself in a quiet location and Apartment Gated community. low rent. New building.

Patio/balcony, refrigerator, pool, cable TV avalible, resident Bay Park clubroom, laundry center, walkin closets.

Courtyards, refrigerator, dishwasher, private patio, pools, 5% Pelican Pointe military discount

Gated Access, Refrigerator, Walk-in closets, Balcony/patio, Sheffield Park Dishwasher, range oven, ceiling fans, pool, clubhouse Town / Apartment Name Source/Contact info Notes/Comments Bay St. Louis / Waveland, MS

The Waverly (885) 206-2916 http://www.waverlyms.com/

Bayside Park Rented through Osceola Property Management (228-467-4171). development OPM (228) 467-4171 They have a lot of properties, so this is just one house.

Oak Parks Apartment (228) 467-3122 http://www.gulfgroveapts.com/

Bay Park (228) 466-3639

Pelican Pointe (885) 262-9519

Sheffield Park (855) 203-7431 Affordable Housing requirements (income restrictions) Type (Apartment / Pets Town / Condo / Rented Water, Electric Allowed? Apartment Name Address House) Rent per Month included (Y/N) Unit size (Y/N) Diamondhead, MS

Lanai Village 1 br. 2-3 br also Condos N/A Condo $400 1 br. rates vary by unit Y Water, N Electric avalible. N Washer/Dryer? Main Office and/or Town / Furnished (Y/N/hookup On Call Maitanance Apartment Name (Y/N/optional) avalible) (Y/N) Description of Apartment Interior Diamondhead, MS

Lanai Village Living room, bedroom, bath, 3 closets, kitchen with wood Condos Y N Y cabinents. Carpet or tiled floors. Ceiling lights. Toilet. Town / Apartment Name Other Amenities Do you recommend this property? Why? Diamondhead, MS

Lanai Village Pool, on golf close, close to marina, Tennis World, airport, and No. Because I am living there. Other units available for rent in Condos gym. Microwave. Lanai Village. Town / Apartment Name Source/Contact info Notes/Comments Diamondhead, MS

Lanai Village (228) 255-3600 Condos [email protected] http://www.lanaicondo.com/ Type (Apartment / Pets Town / Condo / Rented Water, Electric Allowed? Apartment Name Address House) Rent per Month included (Y/N) Unit size (Y/N)

Long Beach, MS

2012 W. Second Beach Club Apts St. Apartment $650-$950 Y Water, N Electric 1 br- 3br Y 1br/1bath, 1000 Aarbor 2br/2bath, Arbor Station Station Dr. Apartment $659-1149 ? 3br/2bath Y 1br/1bath, 2br/2bath, Hampton House 4401 Beatline Rd. Apartment Call for rates ? 3br/2bath Y Long Beach 203 N Cleveland 1br/1bath, Square Ave Apartment $515-615 Y Water, N electric 2br/1bath Y Long Beach Station 210 2nd Ave Apartment $575-625 Y Water, N electric 2br/1bath Y 1br/1bath, 2br/2bath, Mariner's Village 18400 28th st. Apartment $639-899 Y Water, N electric 3br/2bath Y Washer/Dryer? Main Office and/or Town / Furnished (Y/N/hookup On Call Maitanance Apartment Name (Y/N/optional) avalible) (Y/N) Description of Apartment Interior

Long Beach, MS

Living room, bedroom(s), large garden tub bath, Tile in kitchen/dining, carpet everywhere else, balcony with closet, Beach Club Apts N Y (each apt) Y large bedroom closet, living room closet

Arbor Station Y ? Y both Elelctric fireplaces, walk in closets, custom flooring

Hampton House ? ? Y both Oven, refrigerators, ceiling fans, walk-in closets, Long Beach Dishwasher, range oven, refrigerator, tile floors, ceiling fan, Square ? Y (community) Y both walk-in closets, wall to wall carpet Long Beach Y (community), Station optional hookups avalible Y both Dishwasher, range oven, refrigerator, tile floors, ceiling fan

Granite countortops, tile flooring, walk-in closets, Mariner's Village Y Y both appliances, microwave, ceiling fans Town / Apartment Name Other Amenities Do you recommend this property? Why?

Long Beach, MS Yes! Still relatively new, in walking distance to Walmart. Only Walk across to beach; community pool, hot tub, and gym; glass downside is somewhat thin flooring, but other than that it’s a top stove, microwave included, ~40 minute drive to Stennis and beautiful community. With your stennis badge you can get Beach Club Apts 10-15 minute drive to Gulfport, plus very friendly atmosphere. government and/or student discount.

Arbor Station Gated Access, patio/balcony, close to beach

Pool, Clubhouse, basketball courts, patio/balcony, close to Hampton House beach Long Beach Square Pool. Long Beach Pool, basketball, vollyball, picknick area, wifi included. Station balcony/patio

New complex (2011), Fitness Center, walking trail, screened Mariner's Village porch/balcony, clibhouse, pool Town / Apartment Name Source/Contact info Notes/Comments

Long Beach, MS

Beach Club Apts 228-215-2637 (Mon-Sat)

Long Drive to Stennis. High Quality. Arbor Station (866) 453-5047 http://www.arborproperties.com/arbor-station-ms

Hampton House (855) 206-2919 Long Drive to Stennis. Military Discount Long Beach Square (888) 816-6183 Long Drive to Stennis. Military Discount Long Beach Station (228) 865-9220 Long Drive to Stennis. Military Discount

Mariner's Village (228) 864-2199 Long Drive to Stennis. http://pinnacleatmarinersvillage.com/ Type (Apartment / Pets Town / Condo / Rented Water, Electric Allowed? Apartment Name Address House) Rent per Month included (Y/N) Unit size (Y/N) Pass Christian, MS

Cottages at 215 East Second Second Street Street Rented House $600 - $900 1 br - 2 br Y

Four-Plex 1br, Duplex 2br, Camille Village 640 Hurricane Cir. Duplex/Houses from $473-733 ? Houses 3,4,5 br. Y Caribbean in the Pass 707 E. North St. Apartment from $620-1400 Y Water, N electric Y Timber Ridge Apartments 590 Royal Oak Dr Apartment $750 Y Water, N Electric 1 br - 2 br Y Washer/Dryer? Main Office and/or Town / Furnished (Y/N/hookup On Call Maitanance Apartment Name (Y/N/optional) avalible) (Y/N) Description of Apartment Interior Pass Christian, MS

Cottages at Second Street optional N

Camille Village ? Y Y Granite countortops, appliances, tile floors, walk-in closets, Caribbean in the Y (community), Pass ? hookups ? Appliances, walk-in closets Timber Ridge Apartments Y Y (community) Y Living room, bedroom, bath, 2 closets, alley kitchen with wood cabinents. Carpet or tiled floors. Ceiling lights. Fresh white paint. Town / Apartment Name Other Amenities Do you recommend this property? Why? Pass Christian, MS Yes! Environmentally friendly buildings, very energy efficient. Cottages at Downtown, close to the beach, Environmentally designed, New construction. Some furniture is available for rent. Landlords Second Street garden space are local, maintenance is always available

Camille Village Clubhouse Caribbean in the Pass Clubhouse, pool, 1 mile from beach, fishing pier Timber Ridge Apartments Close to downtown. Residential area. Refridgerator, electric stove,Yes! oven Energy included. efficient 35 minute construction, drive to quietstennis. neighborhood, Curbside recycling friendly services.service and Golf management course. Town / Apartment Name Source/Contact info Notes/Comments Pass Christian, MS Jessica Cloyd Cottages at 228-860-7428 also 3 br available, not sure of the price. there's a similar Second Street [email protected] housing complex in Long Beach.

Camille Village (228) 452-6110 Affordable Housing requirements (income restrictions) Caribbean in the Pass (228) 452-7005 Timber Ridge Apartments Jerry Nice, clean apartment quad. Type (Apartment / Pets Town / Condo / Rented Water, Electric Allowed? Apartment Name Address House) Rent per Month included (Y/N) Unit size (Y/N) Picayune, MS

1 bed: $720 - $735 Arbor Gate 100 Arbor Gate Y Water, Apartments Circle Apartment 2 bed: $800 - $850 N Electric 1 br - 2 br Y Washer/Dryer? Main Office and/or Town / Furnished (Y/N/hookup On Call Maitanance Apartment Name (Y/N/optional) avalible) (Y/N) Description of Apartment Interior Picayune, MS Living room, dining area, bedroom, bath (in each bedroom Main Office. They for 2 bedroom), 1 closet per room, kitchen with cabinents Arbor Gate address your problem and draws. Carpet floors. Ceiling lights and fan. Apartments optional Y (in apartment) in a timely manner. Balcony.Laundry room. Town / Apartment Name Other Amenities Do you recommend this property? Why? Picayune, MS

Close to downtown. Residential area. Refridgerator, electric Arbor Gate stove, oven included. 15 minute drive to stennis.Swimming pool You can get apartments for cheaper.Although Stennis employees Apartments and small gym. were entitled to a 5 % discount when I lived there. Town / Apartment Name Source/Contact info Notes/Comments Picayune, MS

Arbor Gate Apartments (866) 924-7681 It is pretty quiet. Type (Apartment / Pets Town / Condo / Rented Water, Electric Allowed? Apartment Name Address House) Rent per Month included (Y/N) Unit size (Y/N) Slidell, LA

173 Northwood N/A Drive Rented House $1,000 N 4 br Y

301, North military yes/Small Cross Gate (1 br) rd loft $700 Y 1br - 1 bath pets Cross Gate yes/Small (general) 300 N Military Rd loft $650-1150 Y Water, N electric 1,2,3br pets 1br/1bath, 2br/1.5bath, 2br/2bath townhome, Apartments / 3br/2bath Yes/ Small Forestwood 2700 Mary St. Townhomes $610-825 Y Water, N electric townhome pets

Apartments / 1br/1bath, Yes/ Small Stone Creek 400 Joseph St. Townhomes $600-775 ? 2br/1.5 bath pets 1br/1bath, 3400 Pelican Point Apartments / 2br/2bath, Pelican Pointe Dr. Townhomes $725-1345 ? 3br/2bath Y up to 1 1br/1bath, 1br/1bath loft, 2br/1bath, Meadowbrook 1 Meadows Blvd. Apartment / Loft $695-890 Y Water, N electric 2br/2bath Y up to 2 Y Water, $100 electric credit King's Square 400 Voters Rd. Apartment $670 included in rent 1br/1bath Y up to 2 4660 Ponchartrain 1br/1bath, Royal Eden Dr. Apartment $535-750 ? 2br/2bath Cats only Washer/Dryer? Main Office and/or Town / Furnished (Y/N/hookup On Call Maitanance Apartment Name (Y/N/optional) avalible) (Y/N) Description of Apartment Interior Slidell, LA

Single story home with fenced in back yard, faux wood floors in most of house and tile in master bedroom, garage N/A N Y N converted into a room living room, bedroom, bath, walk-in closets, alley kitchen with wood cabinents. Carpet floors as well as tiled floors. Ceiling lights and fans in livng and bedroom. Fresh white Cross Gate (1 br) N Y Y paint. Cross Gate Hardwood floors, dishwasher, microwave, other (general) N Y Y appliances,

Y (community), Forestwood ? hookups avalible Y Refrigerator, oven/stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal. Cieling fans, microwave, refrigerator, oven, tile kitchen/bathroom floor, carpeted, private patio (2br), Stone Creek ? Y Y (both) washer/drier included.

Pelican Pointe ? Y Y Dishwasher, refrigerator, tile floors.

Y (community), hookups and Carpet/ceramic tile, cieling fans, walk-in closets, garbage Meadowbrook ? rentals avalible Y (both) disposal

King's Square optional ? Y (both)

Royal Eden optional Y N Town / Apartment Name Other Amenities Do you recommend this property? Why? Slidell, LA Yes, if you are living with several room mates. It is very close to Stennis, and only 30 min. from New Orleans. I would recommend other houses in the neighborhood before this one because the N/A kitchen has new microwave and electric oven, shed in backyard owner of the house is not very receptive.

Close to downtown. Residential area. Refridgerator, electric Yes! New construction. Landlords are local, maintenance is Cross Gate (1 br) stove, oven included. 20 minute drive to stennis. always available Cross Gate (general)

Forestwood Patios, pool, cable ready, exterminator services included.

Stone Creek 2 fitness centers

Balcony, fish pond, jogging trail, clubhouse, fitness center, Pelican Pointe playground, pool, basketball/tennis courts, car care center

Pool, patio/balcony, wireless internet access, clubhouse, 24- Meadowbrook hour fitness center,

King's Square Pool, basic cable included

Royal Eden Canal access to lake Ponchartrain, internet avalible, sundecks, Town / Apartment Name Source/Contact info Notes/Comments Slidell, LA

found on craigslist - managed by Keller Williams N/A Realty close to grocery stores, quiet neighborhood

its next one busy road, could be noisey at times. Free gym Cross Gate (1 br) (985) 649-9459 membership with appartment leasing. Cross Gate (general) (985) 746-3155

Forestwood (985) 288-1830

Stone Creek (985) 259-7793

Pelican Pointe (985) 288-1839

Meadowbrook (985) 228-1812

King's Square (985) 259-7647

Royal Eden (877) 502-7615 Other Housing Resources

This living guide is not comprehensive. It is only meant to give you a sample of your living options. There are many other resources that you can use to aid in your search. A few of these are listed below.

Online Searching: A quick google for apartments in a given town will bring up several websites with apartment listings. This is a good place to start. Each website will vary, but these listings will usually include pictures of the property, general information about the property, and contact information. An online search will usually only bring up mid to high end apartment/housing complexes, which pay to advertise on these websites. Lower end and independently owned properties will generally not be found this way. Sometimes the search may bring up properties not in the town you searched for, so double check the location of properties listed in your search results.

Craigslist: Craigslist is hit and miss. Not many people in the region seem to use Craigslist for posting ads. However, this site is worth a look. This is a good way to find independantly owned properties that will not appear on a general web search, often for cheaper rent.

Online Newspapers: Local newspapers often have online classifieds sections with apartment and rental house listings. This is a good way to find independantly owned properties that will not appear on a general web search, often for cheaper rent. However, the ads are usually very small and only provide very basic information, in some cases without pictures or addresses. A google search for newspapers in a given town should bring up their websites.

Google Maps / Street View: No actual apartment listings, but this is a quick way to see the location of your house/apartment. Google street view is a part of google maps, and can show you photographs of your apartment and neighborhood as if you were driving past them.